I’m Not Just Preparing the Table, but My Spirit Too: Thanksgiving Mindfulness

November 15, 2025 | Daphne Oh

"...be fully present with the people you love. Slow down, savor the moments, and cherish the laughter, the conversations, and the togetherness."

As the calendar inches closer to Thanksgiving, I can already feel that familiar mix of excitement and pressure building inside me. I love the holiday…the food, the coziness, the laughter floating through the house, the way my family fills a room with stories and warmth. However, I’ve also learned that if I’m not mindful, the day can become overwhelming fast.

So, I chose to prepare not just the menu, not just the house, but my mind and heart for the holiday ahead as well.

A Gentle Holiday Promise: Letting Myself Move at a Softer Pace

 

I used to think Thanksgiving had to be perfect. The prepared food, the timing of every dish, the way the house looked when guests walked in, and spending the right amount of time with my family. Then one year, I realized that the pressure that I was putting on myself was draining the joy out of a day that’s meant to be full of gratitude.

Now, I’m learning to move through the holiday season with intention. I remind myself:

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Being intentional has become a positive game changer in so many aspects of my life, including how I navigate through the holidays.

If the rolls come out a little too brown or someone arrives earlier than expected, it’s okay. If the house isn’t spotless or I forget one item at the store, it’s okay. Thanksgiving is about togetherness, not perfection.

Savoring the Moments: Letting Love Lead My Thanksgiving 

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is simply being with family. I absolutely love them folks. Family means everything to me. There’s something comforting about gathering, eating amazing foods, hearing the familiar voices of people I love, reminiscing about the past, and catching up on the moments we missed throughout the year. I just love it all.

However, I’ve noticed that when I’m overwhelmed or stressed, I miss those small, meaningful moments. So, I have made a promise to myself to sit down when I need to, to listen without reacting immediately, and to enjoy my family without feeling rushed.

Even if things still need to be done, I want to choose presence over perfection.

A Soft Breath Between the Doorbell Rings: Choosing Calm Even When The House Is Full

 

Having family and friends visiting can be beautiful, but it can also be exhausting. A house full of people…laughter, noise, movement…can sometimes be overwhelming if I’m not grounded. 

So, I’m reminding myself ahead of time that it’s okay to set boundaries, even on a holiday. It’s okay to step outside for a moment of fresh air. It’s okay to take a break in the bedroom for five quiet minutes. I remember at my baby shower years ago, I fell asleep on everyone, and it was totally okay. Maybe my pregnancy had something to do with it being okay lol 😂 but nevertheless it was okay.

I’m allowed to enjoy the holiday my way, not just the way tradition expects.

Between Laughter and Cooking, I’m Honoring the Quiet Moments Too

One thing I’ve come to cherish is the quiet moments during busy holidays. Early in the morning before the house wakes up, late at night when the dishes are done, or even a quick moment alone on the porch while dinner simmers.

I let myself breathe deeply, connect with gratitude, and soak in the beauty of the day. These small pockets of calm refill my energy and help me be more present and patient.

Quiet time isn’t selfish. It's essential!!

A Quiet Unraveling: Letting Expectations Go and Letting Grace Settle In

 

This Thanksgiving, I want to move through the day with grace. Grace for myself, grace for others, and grace for whatever unfolds. Some things will go right, some things will go wrong, but I get to choose how I show up and how I respond.

And I want to show up with a full heart, a grateful spirit, a calm mind, and an openness to enjoy the day as it truly is. Not as I think it “should” be.

As the holiday draws near, let's remind ourselves:

We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to please everyone. We don’t have to carry the whole day on our shoulders.

We just have to be present, be grateful, and be gentle. With ourselves and with the people we love.

Because Thanksgiving isn’t about the perfect table or the perfectly roasted turkey. It’s about connections. It’s about gratitude. It’s about being together, heart to heart.

I encourage everyone this Thanksgiving to choose to be fully present with the people you love. Slow down, savor the moments, and cherish the laughter, the conversations, and the togetherness. Let your heart be open and your mind be calm.

I hope this blog has found you in good spirits and that you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on how to practice mindfullness this Thanksgiving holiday. I truly appreciate everyone's support. Please leave a comment and share any of your experience and knowledge about holiday mindfulness. You never know who you may be inspiring. Wishing everyone peace, happiness and abundance during this hoiday season. Just a reminder, there is a slight change in my future blogs. Instead of posting once a week, I will be posting twice a month on the 1st and 15th of each month. Although I truly enjoy writing and sharing my blogs, my plate seem to be overflowing lately and I had to make some adjustments and set some boundaries for my own mental wellness. I appreciate your understanding. There will still be blogs. Just not every week. Please check back weekly for my latest blogs and any that you may have missed. Some will be personal, others will be about spreading awareness and some will be a combination of both. Until next time...

 -Daphne Oh

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